A new video released by the American Seed Trade Association features experts
from across the agricultural supply chain on the transformative potential of
new genomic techniques (NGTs). The experts said that Members of the European
Union Parliament (MEPs) need to act and embrace NGTs for the good of
European farmers, global food systems, and the planet.



The video underscores how NGTs such as CRISPR boost plant breeding by
enabling efficient, more precise development of crops with desirable
characteristics such as drought tolerance and disease resistance. These
innovations are crucial, considering the increasing demand for sustainable,
climate-resilient crops. Key insights from the video include:



Efficiency and precision: Genomic techniques allow targeted, budget-friendly
modifications that can introduce characteristics in crops within 5 to 7
years, compared to conventional breeding methods, which can take decades.

Food security and climate resilience: As farmers face increasing challenges
from extreme weather and demands for more sustainable farming practice, NGTs
enable improved plant varieties to adapt quickly to the realities of climate
change, ensuring stable crop yields and contributing to global food
security.

Barriers to access: Many EU farmers want improved varieties enabled by NGTs
and are unable to access them due to current EU regulations.

In light of the EU's ongoing discussions around the use of NGTs, the video
serves as a timely resource for policymakers, researchers, and farmers in
Europe to embrace the adoption of these innovative technologies, which are
essential for both the United States and Europe's agricultural
sustainability and food production.



The featured experts include Patricija Gran, Researcher at Wageningen
University Plant Research; Gary Rudgers, Senior Director of Regulatory
Affairs at J.R. Simplot Company; Ying Shao, CEO of Plantik Biosciences; Dr.
Leena Tripathi, Director of the Eastern Africa Hub at the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Thor Gunnar Kofoed, Farmer and
Vice-President of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council; and Tiberiu Dan
Stan, Farmer and Vice-President of the Romanian Corn Producers Association.



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